Harris Regional Hospital and Swain Community Hospital publish 2024 Community Benefit Report

Harris Regional Hospital and Swain Community Hospital today published a community benefit report for the 2024 calendar year. This annual report highlights the many ways the hospitals are supporting the health and economic vitality of western North Carolina as part of their mission of making communities healthier®.

“Harris Regional and Swain Community Hospitals are proud to serve the people of Jackson, Swain, and the surrounding counties,” said Ashley Hindman, chief executive officer of both hospitals. “As long-standing healthcare providers and community partners, we are committed to delivering high-quality care close to home, investing in our region’s well-being, and making a positive impact on the lives of those we serve. This year’s report reflects that continued commitment—both inside and outside our hospital walls.”

The 2024 report showcases the hospitals’ efforts to meet growing community needs through the addition of new providers, expansion of services, and continued investment in facilities and technology. In 2024, the hospitals welcomed new providers in specialties such as OB/GYN, teleneurology, teleradiology, telepsychiatry, tele-infectious disease, hospice and palliative care, podiatry, cardiology, and more. The hospitals also invested more than $4.9 million in capital improvements, including remounted ambulances, a new CT scanner, new ultrasound machines, a vitals monitor for clinics, lab incubators, lights and other operating room equipment, and new cardiac and telemetry monitors.

In addition, Harris Regional and Swain Community Hospitals provided more than $32 million in uncompensated care and other health services to support individuals in need—demonstrating their dedication to ensuring access to care, regardless of a patient’s ability to pay.

The hospitals are also committed to creating an environment where providers want to practice and employees want to build their careers. In 2024, they provided more than $66,900,000 in salaries, wages, and benefits for approximately 895 employees, and invested over $156,000 in professional development and tuition assistance, helping staff grow and enhance the care they deliver every day.

Together, the hospitals contributed $14,766,331 in local and state taxes, while continuing to support community-based programs and organizations that are working to build a stronger, healthier region. These efforts included partnerships with the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce, Smoky Mountain High School Athletics, Western Carolina University Athletics, Southwestern Community College Foundation, Cherokee Indian Hospital Foundation, Southwestern Commission/Area Agency on Aging, and Jackson County Public Schools.

“We are honored to be part of these communities and incredibly grateful to everyone who places their trust in our care,” said Hindman. “We’re also thankful for the dedication of our physicians, staff, and volunteers who make our mission possible each day. As we look to the future, we remain focused on advancing health, improving lives, and serving our neighbors with compassion and excellence.”

The full 2024 Community Benefit Report for Harris Regional and Swain Community Hospitals is available here.